Plot

Elements of Plot


PLOT -- The plot is how the author arranges events to develop his basic idea; It is the sequence of events in a story or play. The plot is a planned, logical series of events having a beginning, middle, and end. The short story usually has one plot so it can be read in one sitting. There are five essential parts of plot:
Exposition (intro: setting/characters)
Rising Action (Problem/Conflict)
Climax
Falling Action- (Solution/Resolution)
Denouement (Conclusion)

  • Introduction - The beginning of the story where the characters and the setting is revealed.

  • Rising Action - This is where the events in the story become complicated and the conflict in the story is revealed (events between the introduction and climax).

  • Climax - This is the highest point of interest and the turning point of the story. The reader wonders what will happen next; will the conflict be resolved or not?

  • Falling action - The events and complications begin to resolve themselves. The reader knows what has happened next and if the conflict was resolved or not (events between climax and denouement).

  • Denouement - This is the final outcome or untangling of events in the story.